South Korea’s suspended President accused of authorising firearms during martial law attempt

South Korean prosecutors have accused suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol of authorising military force, including the use of firearms, during his failed bid to impose martial law earlier this month.

According to a 10-page prosecution indictment report obtained by AFP, Yoon also threatened to repeatedly declare martial law to retain control.

The indictment alleges that on December 3, Yoon instructed the military to enter the National Assembly by any means necessary, including breaking doors or using force. Troops reportedly stormed the parliamentary building, scaling fences, smashing windows, and deploying by helicopter, as lawmakers rushed to nullify the martial law declaration.

Yoon is quoted in the report as urging General Lee Jin-woo, the head of the capital defence command, to act decisively. “Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting,” Yoon allegedly told Lee.

The report further claims that Yoon instructed Defense Counterintelligence Command Chief General Kwak Jong-keun to ensure the military entered the National Assembly, emphasizing, “Bring out the people inside the chamber and drag everyone out if necessary.”

After lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke Yoon’s martial law order in the early hours of December 4, the report alleges Yoon stated he could declare martial law again. “Even if it’s lifted, I can declare martial law a second or third time, so just keep going,” Yoon is quoted as saying.

Evidence also suggests Yoon had been discussing martial law plans with military officials as early as March. His controversial declaration was reportedly prompted by a budgetary standoff between his party and opposition lawmakers.

Yoon, who was impeached and stripped of his presidential duties earlier this month, faces significant backlash over his actions. Opposition lawmakers have called for his immediate arrest, with Democratic Party legislator Kang Sun-woo labeling him a “treasonous ringleader.”

Former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of playing a central role in the martial law attempt, was arrested earlier this month. Screenshots of senior defence officials’ communications, included in the report, further detail the coordination behind the operation.

Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, has dismissed the prosecution’s findings as “a one-sided account that neither corresponds to objective circumstances nor common sense.”

Yoon has since issued a public apology for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his actions, promising there would not be a second martial law declaration.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court is now examining the validity of Yoon’s impeachment. The court will also deliberate on the future of acting President Han Duck-soo, who was impeached on Friday for allegedly obstructing Yoon’s impeachment process.